Respect Life Radio RLR Interview with David Bonagura: "The Obligation of the Conscience,”—an adaptation from his introduction to Jerome’s Tears: Letters to Friends in Mourning
Join us this week on Respect Life Radio as we welcome back David Bonagura Jr., author of 100 Tough Questions for Catholics: Common Obstacles to Faith Today and adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s Seminary and Catholic International University. This episode dives into his recent essay for Catholic Exchange, “The Obligation of the Conscience,”—an adaptation from his introduction to Jerome’s Tears: Letters to Friends in Mourning (Sophia Institute Press). In his essay Bonagura writes:
“Conscience, in recent decades, has been recast as an argument for relativism and a shield to cover one’s immoral choices. … ‘I know that the Church teaches this act is wrong, but my conscience tells me that it is okay, so therefore I’m going to do it.’”
In our conversation we go deeper into questions like:
- What does the Church mean by the “obligation of conscience”?
- How do we properly form our conscience through study, prayer and engagement with Church teaching?
- What happens when conscience is mis‑formed or abused in the face of cultural relativism?
- How does this relate to life issues, moral decisions and a Catholic’s adherence to truth—not merely personal preference?
Whether you’re navigating complex cultural questions or looking to deepen your understanding of Catholic moral life, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for forming a conscience rooted in truth and faith. Tune in and deepen your understanding of why conscience is not just “what I feel,” but a sacred responsibility to live in alignment with God’s law.